Large portion of Ras Male' leased to Eagles Hills for 99 years: Islamic Minister Shaheem remains silent!
3 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 16:34Public criticism is mounting against the Minister of Islamic Affairs for his silence regarding the allocation of land to a foreign company under the Ras Male' project, a move that has drawn significant concern from religious scholars. Despite a government directive for all political appointees to defend the project, the reluctance of certain ministers to comment has fueled public skepticism and debate.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed speaking during a session of the People's Majlis. | Peoples Majlis
As the entire administration rallies in defense of the Ras Male' project, the silence of the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has prompted many members of the public to question his stance on the initiative.
While ministers and senior officials of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration continue to defend the Ras Male' project, Minister Shaheem has remained silent on the matter.
A reliable source has informed RaajjeMV that the President's Office has instructed all political appointees to speak out in defense of the project.
Minister Shaheem did not respond to inquiries from RaajjeMV seeking his comments on the decision to lease Ras Male' to Eagle Hills, a company with close ties to Israel, for a period of 99 years.
The primary reason for the widespread concern among the public, political figures, and religious scholars regarding the Ras Male' project is the government's decision to grant 500 hectares of land to the UAE-based company, Eagle Hills, for a period of 99 years.
Religious scholars have also begun expressing their opposition to the leasing of 500 hectares of land to the UAE-based Eagle Hills company for the development of the Ras Male' Waterfront and Marina project.
The Maldives Scholars’ Association has requested a meeting with Attorney General Ahmed Usham to seek clarification on the legislative framework being drafted for the development of the waterfront and marina within the Ras Male' project.
Furthermore, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has also remained silent regarding the details of this project.
In response to these growing concerns, the government has repeatedly maintained that all such economic development projects will proceed strictly within the framework of the Maldivian Constitution, ensuring that no Islamic principles are compromised.
